Bar Accompli

Perusing my favorite design blogs, books and magazines I come across a covetable bar almost weekly.  The perfect bar is a mix of spirits and whimsy, a medley of tchotchkes and taste.

Target debuted the ideal bar cart this holiday season.  The burnished gold finish gives the piece a festive flair.

The Target cart has been featured in magazine spreads and fashionable homes galore.  I've placed it in my virtual shopping cart half a dozen times.  Each time my fingers hovered hesitantly over the checkout button.  "It's too big" cried a nagging voice in my head.

I wanted a bar.  A hollywood regency bar on a bargain basement budget and one that wouldn't overwhelm my tiny office (aka the fox den)  Oila, enter Target's diminutive gold and faux bone accent table!

Bar Cart Styling Tips

Choose items that feature variations on a single shade or design motif:  I used gold and polka dots. Petit prosecco bottles play off the blingy theme.  Gold dots grace the interior of a gorgeous porcelain camellia bowl and rainbow colored ones adorn a book cover.

I spray painted a wicker basket a punchy champagne gold and used it for storage.

Add an element of surprise:  The "Hello Darling" letterpress print adds a playful unexpected touch.

Pick your poison: and make it pretty! Midori, chambord and patron feature among the array of lovely liquers I assembled.

     

       xo

Ladies Who Lunch

I like spaces that are both aspirational and accessible, opulent yet...dare I say it cozy.  BG is such a space.  Designed by the brilliant Kelly Weastler, the domed chairs, fresh palette and outstanding cuisine make BG well worth a visit.  

Go in the springtime.  The restaurant boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park.  BG is located on the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman along New York's Fifth Avenue.  For reservations call (212) 872-8708.

This illustration captures the charm of the space.

Lobster mac n cheese, asparagus soup and deviled eggs.

Lobster salad with avocado & champagne vinaigrette.  

Soho's long-awaited Ladurée tea salon has finally arrived from Paris. Entering Laduree is like stepping onto the Champs Élysées, albeit via Broadway.  Laduree specializes in rainbow hued macarons and haute-couture desserts.  The salon serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner  and everything is absolument délicieux.

Lavender Shortbread

I have a weakness for sweets with savory or herbal flavors.  A hint of rosemary or even a subtle floral accent can make your favorite dessert even more aromatic and decadent.

Adapted from a James Beard recipe, these shortbread have a velvety texture that comes from using ultra fine confectioners sugar and just a touch of honey.  Roll these sweet treats in lavender vanilla bean sugar, available at your local spice shop, to enhance the yumm factor.

Lavender Shortbread

1/4 tsp salt
2 sticks of butter
1 tsp lavender honey
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/8 cup lavender vanilla sugar


Cream the butter, sugar, honey
and salt until thoroughly combined.

Add the flour to butter mixture and knead until smooth.

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about a 1/4 inch in thickness.

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

Cut the cookies and roll their edges in lavender sugar.

Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.